Bold plan to slash traffic in Little Chelsea

Little Chelsea. Pic by Eastbourne Borough Council

Published:12:00Saturday 31 May 2014

Ambitious plans to boost trade in Little Chelsea which could see the area pedestrianised have been revealed.

On Tuesday this week traders had to chance to share their views on the proposed scheme at the Traffic free Little Chelsea launch. Dozens of traders were at the Dolphin pub to have their say on cutting down on traffic along Grove Road and parts of South Street.

The initiative is being led by Little Chelsea Traders’ Association (LCTA) and has seen support from other organisations in the town.

At the meeting the audience heard from a traffic expert as well as Councillor David Tutt. Speaking after the meeting he said, “I went along at the invite of the Little Chelsea traders and it was a well attended meeting.

“They are embarking upon three different surveys and asking people whether they would like the area to be completely traffic free or partially traffic free. I was very pleased to go along on behalf of the council and will await with interest the outcome of the surveys. If it’s a positive response and calls for some form of a traffic free area I would support the traders in their approach to East Sussex County Council with a view to asking them to incorporate that idea in their future plans.”

Ideas include partial pedestrianisation of the area, re-routing traffic and reducing traffic.

Carolyn Lindsey, chairman of LCTA and owner of Deck The Halls in South Street, said businesses wanted to make it a nicer environment for shoppers, adding, “My personal view is we need to change the environment particularly in South Street – we’re just a cut-through and a ring road that traffic speeds through.

“We want to create an environment where possibly traffic and people can work in harmony.”

Residents and traders in Little Chelsea, as well as shoppers and visitors to the area are being asked to share their thoughts. For more information go to: http://eastbournecan.com/tflc

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